Franco Di Santo joins Werder Bremen

Werder Bremen have signed former Wigan Athletic forward Franco Di Santo, the Bundesliga club announced on Wednesday.

Di Santo won the FA Cup with Wigan last season before he was released.

Bremen have been eager to fill the void Kevin de Bruyne left behind after returning to Chelsea during the summer. The Bundesliga club, who earned their first three points since February by beating Eintracht Braunschweig last weekend, have now completed the signing of former Chelsea forward Di Santo, who will join Bremen on a free transfer after signing a three-year contract.

Di Santo, who has won two senior caps for Argentina, had been a free agent ever since his contract ran out at the end of last season.

“We had been looking for a robust attacker, who has already won experience in one of the big leagues,” general manager Thomas Eichin said.

“We are certain we have found a good solution in Franco di Santo. He has experience but still has the potential to develop further. He wants to go to the World Cup with Argentina and we’d be delighted if he can call attention to himself at Bremen to reach his goal.”

Di Santo scored five goals in 35 games for The Latics last season, but Eichin believes that he can do much better in Germany.

“In the Bundesliga I think he might be capable of taking his tally into double figures,” Eichin told kicker.

Di Santo added: “Werder has a very good name and the Bundesliga is an attractive league. Here I want to show what I have."